Different Paths

What kind of training?!

Wasn't that a blatant slander?

Faced with Aizen Sōsuke's pointed teasing, Chiba Makoto did not quite know where to begin refuting him.

After all, anyone—even a blind man—could probably see what was going on with Ichimaru Gin being single-handedly held back by Matsumoto Rangiku.

Ichimaru Gin had once been an undisputed genius, graduating from Shin'ō Academy at a record-breaking pace and causing a sensation throughout the Seireitei.

It was only after Ichimaru Gin successfully caught Aizen Sōsuke's attention in that manner, then lurked at Aizen Sōsuke's side as his follower, that he gradually began keeping a low profile within the Seireitei.

Even so, Ichimaru Gin's combat ability still ranked in the upper-middle tier among all captains.

In particular, Ichimaru Gin's fighting style was even better suited to assassination and surprise attacks than Soi Fon's or Yoruichi Shihoin's. That allowed him to almost instantly kill any opponent weaker than himself, while even stronger opponents could still fall victim to his ambushes.

However...

Chiba Makoto's eyes reflected the battle between Ichimaru Gin and Matsumoto Rangiku!

Intense!

Extremely intense!!!

Matsumoto Rangiku was launching wave after wave of attacks at Ichimaru Gin with all her strength. Even with his eyes narrowed, Ichimaru Gin's expression seemed faintly dazzled.

Of course, that referred to the countless dust-like blades created after Matsumoto Rangiku released Haineko in Shikai, which left Ichimaru Gin dazzled.

Moreover, Ichimaru Gin appeared to be doing his utmost to attack Matsumoto Rangiku again and again. Yet the blade of his Zanpakuto, Shinso, continuously extended and retracted as though it were being disrupted by the dust. Each time, it grazed past Matsumoto Rangiku without harming her in the slightest.

Even Chiba Makoto could barely stand to watch. Shinso's piercing power could instantly punch through several buildings without its extending and retracting